"No doubt he can explain the pistol. But go and ask him. For myself, I must bid you good-day. I have an engagement."
"One moment," cried Paul, catching him by the arm as he was moving off, "do you intend to abandon the search for Miss Lester's assassin?"
"No," replied Herne coldly. "I will find the assassin without your help."
"Because you know he is Chaskin!" cried Lovel scornfully.
"I do not know he is Chaskin!" retorted Herne disdainfully. "The person whom I suspect--whom I know--killed Milly is one you would never dream of accusing. Mine shall be the hand to bring this person to justice. Till then"--he waved his hand--"I have nothing to say," and with these final words he moved away.
Paul stood looking after him with a look of doubt on his face. "Whom do you think he suspects?" asked the journalist.
"I don't know."
"It can't be Dr. Lester, or Miss Clyde, for we have evidence that they are innocent," said Paul, perplexed, "nor you, because he denies that you are guilty; nor Chaskin, for the same reason; so----"
"I don't believe his denial of Chaskin's guilt," cried Lovel, with a frown; "nothing will make me believe that he did not kill Milly. Perhaps Herne suspects Catinka."
"Impossible! She cleared herself in my eyes."